Assessing, treating and preventing human movement disorders, restoring normal function or minimising dysfunction and pain in adults and children with physical impairment, to enable them to achieve the highest possible level of independence in their lives; preventing recurring injuries and disability in the workplace, at home, or during recreational activities and promoting community health for all age groups.

Physiotherapists use:

Skilled evaluation, skilled hands on therapy such as mobilisation, manipulation, massage an accupressure; individually designed exercise programmes, relaxation techniques, sophisticated equipment, hydrotherapy and biofeedback, specialised electrotherapy equipment, heat, ice and traction to releive pain and assist healing and recovery, suitable walking aids, splints and appliances, patient education.

Where can you work?

One of the wonderful aspects of physiotherapy is the wide choice of work situations which you can enjoy. You may choose to see patients in a particular age range - teaching a young mother in preperation for the birth of her child; handling tiny babies with lung infections or cerebral plasy, coaxing older children (and adults) to move again after surgery, injury or burns.

You will learn to analyse and treat the aches and pains of approaching middle age, and in old aged homes you may help the elderly to retain and regain their independence.

Physiotherapists may work in:

Public and private hospitals
Private practice
Community health centres
Day care centres and nursing homes
Sports centres and with sporting teams
Schools and pre-schools
Research areas
Occupational health units
Training institutions
Health policy development units
Special centres for people with physical disabilities